The Brothers Size Brings Powerful Performances

The Brothers Size, currently being performed at Actors Theatre, is promoted as a “lyrical tale of brotherly love (that) explores the tension between fear and desire on the elusive road to freedom.”

That is accurate, perhaps, but it doesn’t prepare you for the reality of the play’s raw emotions, street language and battle of wills between two brothers. One brother, Ogun, embodies hard work and the struggle to make a living (he’s an auto mechanic) running a business. His brother Oshoosi is just out of prison, returning home and prevailing upon his brother to help get him back on a path to success. But Ogun’s expectations and Oshoosi’s work ethic conflict, and Oshoosi must also deal with other temptations outside of his brother’s shop.

For 80 minutes, on a bare stage, the brothers explore their roles in life, using the rough and lewd language of the street, accompanied only by an ever-present drum beat. There is only one other character, Elegba, Oshoosi’s cellmate from jail, whose influence is opposite that of Ogun.  He provides Oshoosi with a car, while Ogun pushes his brother to work.

The actors announce their comings and goings and intentions just off stage, then perform them on. Two are shirtless and lean, while Oshoosi wears a wifebeater t-shirt. In the intimate Bingham Theatre, the actors need no props to engage the audience visually.

There’s plenty more to Tarrell Alvin McCraney’s story. It’s not one that I’ll forget soon.

See it at Actors through February 1.

Ben Williamson (drummer) with Ronald Kirk, Che Ayende and Larry Powell in The Brothers Size Actors Theatre of Louisville, 2015 Photo by Bill Brymer
Ben Williamson (drummer) with Ronald Kirk, Che Ayende and Larry Powell in The Brothers Size
Actors Theatre of Louisville, 2015
Photo by Bill Brymer